She was trying to cook prawn wontons with broth under extreme time pressure.

According to the judges, her biggest mistake was taking her eyes off the broth towards the end of the cook because the broth burnt with only minutes to go. The sauce she made as a substitute was “underwhelming“.

But some Australians are thinking her elimination has less to do with crustaceans, and more to do with the fact she’s over 50.

“Masterchef is a bit ageist I think. They portray the older contestants unfavourably,” one viewer commented on Facebook.

“Again the judges are influenced by the ‘age’of the contestant!!!! Don’t they realise that 50 per cent of their audience is over 50!!! Get real,” another said.

“Classic case of ‘Ageism’ in that decision. Benita deserved to be there to learn more every bit as much as Nicole. Elimination should be on the worst dish not the oldest person Masterchef,” one commenter wrote.

Indeed, Orwell was the oldest contestant in this year’s competition. And, earlier this week, we saw the show’s second oldest amateur chef Pia Gava, 49, sent home as well.

All the oldies gone in record time this year, is there anyone left over 40? #masterchefau

Bach Chat: WE MADE IT!

“My food dream is to host ladies’ long lunches. Beautiful ladies having a few drinks, eating food, and just having a really good time getting to know each other,” Orwell said.

“I’ve had the best time. I’ve learned so many new recipes and ideas and techniques. Anyone who thinks that they’re too old, well, don’t think that you’re too old. And if you’ve always had a dream and you still haven’t achieved it, well, go and do it.”